3 Reasons Arlington is an Ideal Destination for Military Groups and Reunions
There’s no better place to honor the service and legacy of veterans than the historic U.S. capital region.
Rolling to Remember
A high-profile motorcycle rally in the streets of D.C., Rolling to Remember spotlights U.S. POWs and MIAs, as well as the mental health and wellbeing of veterans.
The massive motorcycle rally, Rolling to Remember, brings the force and fury of countless motorcyclists to the nation’s capital over Memorial Day Weekend. Their mission: to raise awareness of the plight of U.S. prisoners of war and the 82,000 service members still missing in action. Since 1988, hundreds of thousands of riders have rolled into Washington, DC, in an iconic display of support for the nation’s POWs and MIAs.
Organized by AMVETS (the nation’s most inclusive Congressionally chartered veterans service organization, representing 20 million veterans), the event also spotlights the national suicide epidemic that takes the lives of 22 veterans each day.
Blessing of the Bikes
Kicking off the weekend on Friday is a Blessing of the Bikes at the Washington National Cathedral in D.C., followed by a nighttime Candlelight Vigil at the Wall of the Vietnam War Memorial, dramatically lit by thousands of free glowsticks.
Day of Prevention
Saturday’s Day of Prevention starts with a 2.2-mile morning run/walk from RFK Stadium to highlight the role of physical wellness as a key to mental health. The stadium serves as the staging ground for Saturday and Sunday programs, broken into symbolic 22-minute segments. They feature notable speakers, Gold Star families, mission-focused musical performances (often fronted by veterans) and other programs around mental wellness and suicide prevention.
Demonstration Ride
The culminating Demonstration Ride begins at noon on Sunday, following a motorcycle drill team performance, live music, special presentations and more high-profile speakers. After getting inspired, the riders solemnly follow a route through the streets of D.C., including major arteries such as Constitution, Independence and Pennsylvania Avenues.
Unlike more festive events, the entire weekend serves as a serious demonstration to bring awareness and accountability for POWs and MIAs left behind and for suicide prevention.
More About Rolling to Remember
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